Bills safety Corey Graham, a Buffalo native, wore blue cleats with a picture of Trayvon Martin on the toe and the words "Black Lives Matter" along the side. They also featured the dates of Martin's birth and death on the heels.

Some people wrote in the comments that they were unfollowing Brown after his post. "[T]hank u guys for your support thus far. Regardless I never wish death on anyone. Sorry if u think anyone deserves that," Brown replied.

"The team was actually behind it, which was surprising," Bills outside linebacker Lorenzo Alexander said. "But you don't want to distract from what we're trying to accomplish here."

Alexander was among the Black Lives Matter group but decided to switch after discussing it with his wife. They feared backlash for their children at school.

"When you look at the news and see social media, crazy stuff is happening, especially with the turmoil our country's in right now," Alexander said. "So I backed off from it.

Graham reported that receiver Marquise Goodwin "insinuated the plug was pulled on him."

"I'm very disappointed," Goodwin said. "I wanted to take a stand. I wanted to show I feel that people are hurting in the world, people who are suffering. I can't turn a blind eye to it.

"At the same time, I've sacrificed a lot to get to where I am, and I don't want to watch it go down the drain. I appreciate there's a time and a place to speak out, and I want to do that in a respectful manner."

But Corey Graham was undeterred.

Fabes Sole High customized two pairs for Graham, who noted he received zero pushback about his cause.

"It's important," Graham said. "I'm not going to kneel during the national anthem, but when the NFL gives you an opportunity to wear something with meaning, when you got people getting murdered without accountability, you want to bring awareness.